If you found the first beta to be impressive, then just wait till you try the second...

The best mobile web browser around has just gotten even better! Although still in "beta", the latest Opera Mini offering continues to improve on the user experience of accessing Internet sites through the mobile phone. Those of us who have first-hand experience with this Java-based app would (undoubtedly) appreciate the benefits, and the flexibilities, that it offers.

Code named 'Dimension', Opera Mini 4 "beta 2" adds a number of important features, which makes it an irresistible release to download and use. These include (but not limited to):

• Exclusive Blackberry device support: a new interface with better menus, which are now native from within the browser;
• Landscape display mode: widescreen display orientation now an option;
• Improved web search: a multi-search start page doesn't restrict you to a single search engine, as well as having the ability to creating your own one/s;
• Encryption support added (this was not available with the first beta); and
• Various tweaks: including a simplified settings page, improved image quality, and other fixes.

If you're still using v3.x of the Opera Mini browser, there's no better time to give this latest browser release a go, as encryption is once again available. Or for those who've yet to take the leap of faith, let me assure you with this thought: "Opera Mini will have your phone's built-in web browser for breakfast!"

To download, simply point your phone browser (before it gets consumed) to mini.opera.com/beta/ - and follow the on-screen instructions. For users of Blackberry and Palm devices, you can download the application from the Opera Mini Beta home page below.

Resources: Opera Mini beta homepage | New Features in Opera Mini 4 beta | Opera Mini 4 Beta changelog

If you're using one of the latest Nseries models, then you'd be very interested to learn of the following...

Nokia and Microsoft have finally announced the official release of their Windows Live suite of apps, enabling users access to the following Windows Live services directly from a compatible S60 handset: Contacts, Hotmail, Live Spaces, and - most importantly - Live Messenger (aka MSN). This is great news for those who wants to be able to access these online services at any time they so wish.

Some time prior to this announcement, a preview release (or beta) of the suite was floating around on the Internet - and I managed to get hold of it to try out, and ultimately use. And after having spent some time with it, I've got to say that they've done a fantastic job with the implementation on virtually all fronts... well done Nokia!

Now, on availability - this excerpt from the official press release pretty much sums it up:

Nokia customers who own the Nokia N73, N76, N80 Internet Edition, N93i, and the N95 multimedia computers can get the Windows Live services via the Download! application in the following countries; Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, UK, Sweden, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Customers can visit http://www.nokia.com/windowslive to learn more, and check if their country is on the availability list. Initially the service will be available as a free trial and then customers in select markets wishing to continue using the service may be asked to pay a monthly fee.

Sadly, this is how it is right now. But do check back at the Nokia Windows Live page often to see if the suite is available for more phone models, and whether it has been extended to more markets (currently, the list only shows selected countries in Europe and the Middle East).

(While more S60 models will be supported in the near future, Nokia is also planning on bringing these services to S40-based models as of next year - stay tuned!)

Resources: Nokia Windows Live page